The Lake Bomoseen region surrounding Fair Haven, Vermont provides several established campgrounds with a range of accommodation options including tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals. Bomoseen State Park Campground and Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, both within minutes of Fair Haven, offer waterfront sites and natural settings. Lake St. Catherine State Park and Lake Bomoseen KOA expand the camping options with additional amenities. The area is characterized by scenic lakes and ponds that create opportunities for water-based recreation while camping.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. A camper wrote, "The waterfront lean-tos are kind of close together. If you want more privacy, some of the primitive sites are a little more spread out." Vermont State Parks maintain clean facilities with showers and basic amenities, though hookups are limited at some locations. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with several reviews noting poor or non-existent coverage at Lake Bomoseen KOA. Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly in early spring and late fall when temperatures may drop significantly overnight.
Waterfront camping consistently receives positive feedback from visitors to the Fair Haven area. Half Moon Pond State Park garners particular praise for its quiet atmosphere and direct water access. A review mentioned, "We had a waterfront site so we could launch our kayaks right from our site." Families appreciate the swimming beaches at several parks, though some note that certain sections of lakes can be weedy. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, with most offering both tent and RV sites. While developed campgrounds provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathhouses, the sites still maintain a natural feel with tree cover providing shade and some privacy between neighboring campers. Bomoseen State Park features a boardwalk path through marsh areas that adds to the nature experience while camping.
$22 - $172 / night
"For the last three years, we have traveled with dozens of friends and families to Rogers Rock Campground, which is tucked into the north end of the gorgeous 32 mile-long oasis that is Lake George."
"Ive been coming to this spot nearly every year since I was a little girl."
"No ATM on site to get cash… The sites are spacious enough, but are very close to each other. Zero buffer between neighboring sites means encroaching slide outs."
"family camping Kabins, rv, and tent sites, arcade, store, ice cream, and Lake Bomoseen. Easy to get to, close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbarton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way."
"Bomoseen State Park is right down the road, but I recommend staying at Half Moon and taking advantage of the large swimming area at Bomoseen, as well as all the cool ponds, lakes, and hiking trails nearby"
"The pond is clean and swim-able and great for kayaks/canoes (near Glen Lake and Lake Bomoseen for boating and more kayaking/canoeing)."
"It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are happy to report that everyone wore masks in public spaces (restrooms), and that there was plenty of room for social distancing. "
"We had a nice private site, close to amenities and the lake, the beach area was nice, kind of rocky, but had sand for the beach. The play area has a nice set up, overall a nice camping area."
"Golf cart rentals (4 and 6 person) were expensive so we just walked the park multiple days. Each site is gigantic and well thought out and can easily say there is not a bad site in the place."
"The park is very large so if you want to be near the pool/entertainment area or nearby bathrooms, pick your site accordingly."
"Campground is placed 10 minutes from the bottom of Lake George with great hiking trails in the surrounding area. The campground it’s self it’s very clean in every aspect."
"Restaurant and bar right next to the pool. Decent size spots."
"Lake St. Catherine state campground is located in the heart of the Slate Valley. There are 50 tent/rv sites and 11 leantos. This lake is known by anglers and boaters alike."
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
$28 / night
"I have stayed on Nobles Island & Floating Battery Island in the Narrows of Lake George. You must have a power boat ride out there or be up for a long paddle."
"Beautiful campground in south central Vermont. On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking. Well kept."
"The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
TravelerI have stayed at several of the waterfront tent and lean-to camp sites. It’s a nice organized place but can get pretty noisy when larger groups take over the loop c spots. There’s an open grassy field near the water at that end of the campground and it doesn’t take much to make a disturbance as sound carries over the water to loop b and a. Several people ignore the no dogs on the beach rule too. Those issues aside it’s a nice accessible campground with quiet water for kayakers like me. Generally I find the flies and mosquitoes are less of a problem once the dragon flies arrive.
ScoutHad a site booked for Memorial Day weekend but had a complication to my 5th shoulder surgery in 2.5 years and had my 6th which was a 3rd attempt at rotator cuff repair in mid-May. Called to see if I could change my reservation since I cannot drive due to Dr.'s orders but no dice. Could care less and told me too late due to policy. Offered to provide doctors documentation but didn't matter. I did not ask for refund just to change the date. Rude, dismissive and unwilling to work with me. Sad that a family-oriented place is run this way. End result I am out over$600 and they are smiling. As a business owner myself I would be out of business if I treated my customers this way.
ScoutDEC has designated and constructed 12 camp sites in areas around Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road. Camping will only be allowed at the designated campsites or more than 500 feet from the Shelving Rock and Dacy Clearing Roads.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
GuideWe emailed twice and traveled five hours to only find out they have a list of dog breeds they don’t accept. The list has no rhyme or reason. Our 7 year old 95lb Great Dane was not allowed. Ridiculous
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
Fair Haven, Vermont camping areas sit primarily at elevations between 400-600 feet in the slate valley region along Lake Bomoseen. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with cooler nights in fall when temperatures can drop into the 40s. Most campsites near Fair Haven remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with limited facilities available during shoulder seasons.
Hiking from campsites: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access for hiking. Gifford Woods State Park Campground features the Appalachian Trail running directly through the grounds with multiple day hike options. One visitor noted, "You can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Bomoseen and nearby ponds provide various fishing experiences. At Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, fishing directly from waterfront sites is possible, though one camper mentioned, "The pond is very weedy, so fishing was not so great, but the hiking trails around the park were fun."
Boating and paddling: Several lakes support motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Lake St. Catherine State Park Campground is "known by anglers and boaters alike" according to a reviewer, who also noted the "excellent beach" that accompanies the lake access.
Mountain biking: The slate valley region features developing trail networks. A camper staying at Lake St. Catherine mentioned, "Plentiful mountain bike trails are being developed all over this area. Pine hill in Rutland, and the Endless brook trails top the list of systems in the area to check out."
Waterfront sites: Direct water access from campsites ranks highly among visitor preferences. At Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, one camper appreciated that "Sites are a good size and we were able to snag a water front site which was really beautiful. There are also lean-to sites and some cabins. We fished and kayaked right from our site."
Quiet atmosphere: Smaller state parks offer more peaceful settings. A reviewer at Half Moon Pond observed, "The park is small, quiet and very well cared for. Restrooms are modern and clean. Everyone seems to adhere to quiet hours so it was easy to get a good night's sleep."
Clean facilities: State park bathhouses consistently receive positive comments. At Emerald Lake State Park Campground, visitors commented that "facilities were great" and "restrooms are about average for state parks. They were definitely cleaned daily."
Swimming options: Beaches at various parks provide swimming opportunities. One camper at Emerald Lake wrote, "It's an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in. There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. Rogers Rock Campground runs "from May 19 to October 9" according to its information page, while Emerald Lake remains open "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend."
Cell service variability: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the area. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, multiple reviewers noted communication challenges: "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect," and another confirmed, "Cell service is very limited. Very remote."
Site privacy differences: Campground layouts vary significantly in terms of site spacing. A camper at Emerald Lake noted, "Sites are on top of each other but some are more spacious and away from the others," while at Lake Bomoseen KOA someone reported, "Site we had was small, on a corner, not one bit of privacy."
Shower costs: State parks typically charge for showers. At Emerald Lake, campers are advised "Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower," a common feature across Vermont state parks.
Beach access: Swimming areas with gradual entry work best for children. A visitor to Bomoseen State Park Campground shared, "We stayed 2 nights me my mom and 7 kids all my moms grandkids... our spot was close to the beach which had a fantastic park it was clean not busy at all."
Lean-to options: These structures provide extra protection from elements. At Emerald Lake, a visitor explained, "Leantos at this state park give you protection from the elements - mind you not all sites have a leanto... We also drove 10 minutes to nearby Danby for horse-riding at Mountain View Ranch which is a good break from soaking in water every day."
Nature exploration: Multiple parks feature accessible trails for children. Bomoseen State Park has "a boardwalk path through the marsh" that one reviewer highlighted for family exploration. Another noted its overall quality as "fun camping for the family."
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities. A family staying at Emerald Lake recommended: "Larchmont is our favorite camp site. It is much larger than most sites, a short walk to the showers and a bit tucked away for privacy. We had two tents set up there, which is impossible for most sites."
Limited hookup availability: Most state parks have minimal or no RV utilities. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts just across the state line, full hookups are available, and a reviewer noted, "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site."
Site size variations: Larger rigs require careful site selection. One RVer at Lake Bomoseen KOA mentioned, "The campground is ok. It was a little tight for our 36ft 5th wheel but manageable. The sites are a good size and relatively level."
Dump station access: Some parks provide sanitary dumping without full hookups. While many Vermont state parks have dump stations, their availability may be limited during shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fair Haven, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fair Haven, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 227 campgrounds and RV parks near Fair Haven, VT and 36 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fair Haven, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fair Haven, VT is Rogers Rock Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 31 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fair Haven, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Fair Haven, VT.
What parks are near Fair Haven, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Fair Haven, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and Green Mountain National Forest.
Keep Exploring
